Cleaning glove

ABSTRACT

A glove for use in cleaning is disclosed. The glove is comprised of a glove body with fingers. The cleaning glove is further comprised of knuckle scrubbers, finger scrubbers and a palm scrubber. The cleaning glove is further comprised of at least one cleaning solution disposed within selected areas of the outside portion of the glove.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of cleaning gloves. In particular, the present invention relates to a cleaning glove whose outside surface is disposed with task specific materials and task specific cleaning solutions at targeted locations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known in the art to use gloves in most cleaning operations, both to protect the hands and to assist in the act of cleaning. In addition, materials of various textures and abrasiveness have been used to accomplish the cleaning of surfaces of various types. In some cases these materials are separate from the glove and in other cases these materials are a part of the glove.

Such inventions do not disclose the use of a combination of task specific cleaning materials disposed at targeted locations of the glove, nor do they disclose the use of task specific releasable cleaning solutions operable for release from the task specific cleaning materials.

A need exists, therefore, for a cleaning glove disposed with one or more task specific cleaning materials and one or more releasable cleaning solutions disposed at targeted locations of the glove.

These and other problems exist. Previous attempts to solve these and other problems include the following.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,559,114, issued to C. H. Maranville, discloses a rubber glove with projections of varying sizes on the palm, thumb and knuckle areas.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,459,985, issued to C. H. Woodbury, discloses a hand covering in the general nature of a work glove, which is useful to a worker to gain a secure, effective, grip on objects or articles being handled without marring or injuring them.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,643,386, issued to John V. Grzyll, discloses hand apparels, gloves and mittens, having abrasive material secured to the hand apparel at effective working areas such as extending beyond and partially around an extending member, finger or thumb, to afford cleaning and abrading contact with an object while providing various advantages and protections to the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,593,427, issued to Thomas V. Ortolivo, discloses a cleaning and scouring glove having a flexible body including a palm, a thumb, and finger stalls, the finger stalls including a second row of phalanges. Disposed upon the second row of phalanges in the knuckle area of the middle three fingers are three ovoid scouring or cleaning units. In the palm and inner-finger region is located an upper and lower cleaning or abrasive surface, the upper surface covering substantially the entire upper-palm and inner-finger area, and the lower surface covering substantially the entire lower-palm area, the upper and lower surfaces being separated by a transverse linear separation of about ⅛ inch, this linear separation corresponding generally to the natural transverse fold in the palm, the separation functioning to enhance the flexibility of the palm area of the glove to facilitate the complete clenching of the fist of the user in order to make possible the application of considerable force and pressure by the user when the cleaning glove is held in a position of a clenched fist with pressure and reciprocal motion applied by the user between the second row of phalanges of the knuckle and the rigid surface to be cleaned by the disclosed waterproof cleaning glove. Also disclosed are means for the attachment and removability of the cleaning surfaces and units to provide a range of different cleaning mechanisms. The cleaning units may include a cellulose layer capable of rotating detergent in solution.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,250, issued to Steven R. Brown, discloses a disposable washing glove is shown which includes a felted base made of carded staple fibers mechanically interlocked, structured by use of special forked needles to create a high-pile fabric, having recesses therein. The fabric is coated on one side with a detergent material which also fills the recesses to permit a timed release of the detergent during use.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,355, issued to Barrett H. Moore, discloses a mitt of latex material includes a pad of cleaning media covering the palm and inner finger area of a user's hand, and at least one strip of cleaning media covering the back of the user's hand extending across at least some of the user's fingers.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,956,770, issued to Lewis Felts Dennis, discloses a glove with attachable cleaning pads including a glove portion. A plurality of cleaning pads is provided that are adapted for removable coupling with a front surface of the glove portion. Each of the cleaning pads have a colored outer surface that is different from one another. Each of the cleaning pads have a different cleaning purpose.

U.S. Pat. No. D459,859, issued to Khristy L. Poteat, illustrates a waterproof glove with detachable cleaning pads.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,513,998, issued to Essie M. Barry, discloses a scouring glove with a plurality of heavy duty cleaning members placed at the glove's distal ends of the fingertips for increased scouring ability along with a soap permeable abrasive inner palm layer containing a soap containment bladder with a soap fill spout for refilling. A one-way valve is provided to prevent soap egress and allow pressure buildup in the bladder. A semi-rigid siding is provided to keep the bladder's form. A plurality of soap dispensing apertures is provided to selectively distribute the soap contained within the bladder to prime cleaning areas.

While these patents and other previous methods have attempted to solve the above mentioned problems, none have utilized or disclosed task specific materials and task specific releasable cleaning solutions, as does embodiments of the present invention.

Therefore, a need exists for a cleaning glove with these attributes and functionalities. The cleaning glove according to embodiments of the invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art. It can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new and improved cleaning glove which can be used commercially for domestic or industrial cleaning activities. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills these objectives.

The foregoing patent and other information reflect the state of the art of which the inventor is aware and are tendered with a view toward discharging the inventor's acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be pertinent to the patentability of the present invention. It is respectfully stipulated, however, that the foregoing patent and other information do not teach or render obvious, singly or when considered in combination, the inventor's claimed invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a cleaning glove. In particular, the present invention relates to a cleaning glove that is comprised of a base material in the shape of a human hand. This base material may be made from a waterproof or water resistant material, e.g. vinyl or latex. The cleaning glove is further comprised of knuckle scrubbers located at the knuckle areas of the finger portions of the glove. For clarity, these knuckle areas are located at the knuckle areas distal from the finger tips of the glove. In the preferred embodiment there is no knuckle scrubber on the thumb finger portion. The knuckle scrubbers are preferably made of a strong abrasive material. Also contained within, or applied on, the knuckle scrubbers is a cleaning solution that is released during the use of the knuckle scrubbers.

The cleaning glove is further comprised of finger tip scrubbers located at the finger tips and thumb tip of the glove. The finger tip scrubbers are preferably made of an abrasive material having less abrasiveness than the knuckle scrubbers. Also contained within, or applied on, the finger tip scrubbers is a cleaning solution that is released during the use of the finger tip scrubbers. This cleaning solution may be the same cleaning solution used for the knuckle scrubbers, or may be a cleaning solution with a different composition.

The cleaning glove is further comprised of a palm scrubber. The palm scrubber is preferably made of a cleaning material with a texture conducive for lighter cleaning than either the knuckle scrubbers or the finger tip scrubbers, e.g. similar to the material used for the Swiffer® Sweeper or Lysol® wipe. In some embodiments the palm scrubber may be disposed in the palm area of the glove. In some embodiments the palm scrubber may extend from the palm area and also include a portion of the finger and thumb areas on the front side of the glove. Also contained within, or applied on, the palm scrubber is a cleaning solution that is released during the use of the palm scrubbing area. This cleaning solution may be the same as the cleaning solution used for the knuckle scrubbers or the finger tip scrubbers or it may be different.

The releasing action of the cleaning solutions may be due to the result of contact with a liquid, e.g. water, due to the result of pressure, due to the result of friction or due to a chemical reaction.

One advantage of the present invention is highlighted by the use of an embodiment of the invention for the cleaning of grout between tile.

Another advantage of the present invention is that is can be made inexpensively.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it can be made of readily available materials.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it the user can use it for cleaning jobs requiring different levels of abrasiveness, e.g. different surfaces can be cleaned with one glove (grout, bathtub, countertop, etc.).

Another advantage of the present invention is that it is easy to use.

Another advantage of the present invention is that it is disposable and hygienic, thus protecting the user's hands from a germy mess and chemicals.

Another advantage of the present invention is that fewer cleaning implements and liquids are required for cleaning.

Another advantage of the present invention is that cleaning is easier and faster than with traditional methods.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages and features of the invention are described with reference to exemplary embodiments, which are intended to explain and not to limit the invention, and are illustrated in the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a rear, planar view of a cleaning glove according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front, planar view of a cleaning glove according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front, planar view of a cleaning glove according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a rear, planar view of a cleaning glove according to an embodiment of the present invention for lighter every day cleaning.

FIG. 5 is a front, planar view of a cleaning glove according to an embodiment of the present invention for lighter every day cleaning.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Referring now to FIG. 1 through FIG. 5, a preferred embodiment of a cleaning glove, 10, is shown. Cleaning glove 10 is comprised of body portion 11 and a plurality of finger portion 12 extending from body portion 11. Body portion 11 and each finger portion 12 are constructed of first material 13. First material 13 is preferably a vinyl material. Cleaning glove, 10, has a front side 10 f and a rear side 10 r.

With the exception of the thumb finger portion each finger portion 12 has a knuckle area 20. Each knuckle area 20 has a second material 21 affixed to form what is called a knuckle scrubber. Second material 21 is preferably an abrasive material for tough cleaning tasks. Second material 21 has a first cleaning solution 22 disposed within. First cleaning solution 22 is released during a task specific cleaning operation.

Each finger portion 12 has a finger tip area 30. Each finger tip area 30 has a third material 31 affixed to form what is called a finger tip scrubber. Third material 31 is preferably an abrasive material for semi-tough cleaning tasks. One purpose of the finger tip scrubbers is to allow the user to clean hard to access cracks and crevices and for detail cleaning. Third material 31 has a second cleaning solution 32 disposed within. Second cleaning solution 32 is released during a task specific cleaning operation.

Front side 10 f has a palm area 40. Palm area 40 has a fourth material 41 affixed to form what is called a palm scrubber. Fourth material 41 is preferably a non-abrasive material for light cleaning tasks. Fourth material 41 has a third cleaning solution 42 disposed within. Third cleaning solution 42 is released during a task specific cleaning operation.

In one embodiment of the cleaning glove, the user inserts the appropriate hand into the cleaning glove and positions one or more of the knuckle scrubbers so that they come into contact with the area to be cleaned, e.g. the grout in tile. The user then moves the gloved hand with an appropriate pressure and direction to clean the targeted area. If further cleaning is needed the user may position one or more of the finger tip scrubbers so that they come into contact with the area to be cleaned. The user then moves the finger tip scrubbers with an appropriate pressure and direction to clean the targeted area. The user positions the palm scrubber so that it comes into contact with an area to be cleaned and applies appropriate pressure and direction to clean the targeted area.

In one embodiment of the cleaning glove it is made by forming the glove from a suitable material, e.g. vinyl, then affixing the knuckle scrubbers to the knuckle areas, the finger scrubbers to the finger tip areas and the palm scrubber to the palm area. The cleaning solutions for the knuckle scrubbers, finger scrubbers and palm scrubber are then infused into the knuckle scrubbers, finger scrubbers and palm scrubber. 

1. A glove for use in cleaning comprising: a body portion having an opening and a plurality of finger portions extending from said body portion, said finger portions being positioned opposite said opening, said body portion and said finger portions being constructed of a first material, said body portion and said finger portions further being configured to generally conform to the shape of a human hand, said finger portions having finger tip areas and knuckle areas, said body portion having a palm area; a plurality of a second material affixed to said knuckle areas of said finger portions; a plurality of a third material affixed to said finger tip areas of said finger portions; a fourth material affixed to said palm area; a first cleaning solution disposed within said second material; a second cleaning solution disposed within said third material; and a third cleaning solution disposed within said fourth material.
 2. The glove of claim 1, wherein said second material and said third material are made from an abrasive material and said fourth material is made from a non-abrasive material.
 3. The glove of claim 2, wherein said first cleaning solution, said second cleaning solution and said third cleaning solution have different compositions.
 4. The glove of claim 2, wherein said first cleaning solution and said second cleaning solution have the same composition and wherein said third cleaning solution has a different composition.
 5. The glove of claim 2, wherein said first cleaning solution, said second cleaning solution and said third cleaning solution have the same composition.
 6. A glove for use in cleaning comprising: a body portion having an opening and a plurality of finger portions extending from said body portion, said finger portions being positioned opposite said opening, said body portion and said finger portions being constructed of a first material, said body portion and said finger portions further being configured to generally conform to the shape of a human hand, said finger portions having finger tip areas and knuckle areas, said body portion having an extended palm area; a plurality of a second material affixed to said knuckle areas of said finger portions; a plurality of a third material affixed to said finger tip areas of said finger portions; a fourth material affixed to said extended palm area; a first cleaning solution disposed on said second material; a second cleaning solution disposed on said third material; and a third cleaning solution disposed on said fourth material.
 7. The glove of claim 6, wherein said second material and said third material are made from an abrasive material and said fourth material is made from a non-abrasive material.
 8. The glove of claim 7, wherein said first cleaning solution, said second cleaning solution and said third cleaning solution have different compositions.
 9. The glove of claim 7, wherein said first cleaning solution and said second cleaning solution have the same composition and wherein said third cleaning solution has a different composition.
 10. The glove of claim 7, wherein said first cleaning solution, said second cleaning solution and said third cleaning solution have the same composition. 